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The K-12 program, also known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, is a curricular reform
for the Philippine education system. The variables “K” and “12” stand for kindergarten and the
succeeding 12 years of basic education that a child will undergo. This means the K-12 reform extends
the conventional 10-year basic education program, adding 2 years of Grades 11-12 or Senior High
School.
Earlier in July 2024, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. directed the newly
appointed Philippine Education Secretary Sonny Angara to improve the Enhanced Basic Education
Act of 2013. The move aims to improve the employability of Filipino students who graduated from
the K-12 program. The announcement came after President Marcos and his administration
determined that the employability rate had not improved.
K-12 Program in the Philippines
Launched in April 2012, the “K to 12 Program” received a mixture of opinions, including praises, as a
symbol that the Philippines is in line with international education standards. For over a decade,
various societal groups and experts have criticized the mentioned education reform. However, the
Philippine government has continued to develop the program for expanded learning and students'
future careers.
It can be recalled that Angara was one of the authors of the K-12 Program during its legislation.
Angara was sworn as the country’s secretary for the Department of Education (DepEd) after Vice
President Sara Duterte resigned from the same position in June 2024. Being the new education chief,
Marcos issued several tasks to Angara, including teaching Philippine history to Filipino students.
What Does K-12 Offer?
According to DepEd, the K-12 program offers the same curriculum taught to students in the
Philippines with the addition of the following core subjects under Senior High School:
• Academic – ABM, HUMSS, STEM, General Academic, Pre-Baccalaureate Maritime
• Technical/Vocational/Livelihood – Agri-Fishery, Home Economics, ICT, Industrial Arts, TVL Maritime
• Sports
• Arts and Design
